International Students

The Vanderbilt University International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is the primary source of employment information for international students. The information below has been reviewed and approved by ISSS.

Maintain full-time enrollment to remain eligible to work. International students may work 20 hours per week during academic periods.

If you do not have a social security number: Visit the ISSS to receive a letter of authorization/form to collect appropriate signatures. This must be taken to the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Visit Vanderbilt HR Express located at 2525 West End Ave. to complete the I-9 process. You must have your social security number or the issued SS-5 receipt received from the SSA at the time of I-9 process.

In addition, international student employees should become familiar with the U.S. laws pertaining to paying taxes and filing income tax returns.

Work authorization for off-campus jobs is allowed only with specific authorization from the ISSS or from the USCIS. Therefore, international students, are strongly encouraged to search for on-campus jobs by: